Wisdom 14:17

17 When men could not honor monarchs in their presence, since they lived at a distance, they imagined their appearance far away, and made a visible image of the king whom they honored, so that by their zeal they might flatter the absent one as though present.

Wisdom 14:17 In-Context

15 For a father, consumed with grief at an untimely bereavement, made an image of his child, who had been suddenly taken from him; and he now honored as a god what was once a dead human being, and handed on to his dependents secret rites and initiations.

16 Then the ungodly custom, grown strong with time, was kept as a law, and at the command of monarchs graven images were worshiped.

17 When men could not honor monarchs in their presence, since they lived at a distance, they imagined their appearance far away, and made a visible image of the king whom they honored, so that by their zeal they might flatter the absent one as though present.

18 Then the ambition of the craftsman impelled even those who did not know the king to intensify their worship.

19 For he, perhaps wishing to please his ruler, skilfully forced the likeness to take more beautiful form,